Beck binocular compound microscope
Datecirca 1884
Inventory Number1083
ClassificationMicroscope
Subject
Maker
R. & J. Beck
1865 - 1920
User
Howe Laboratory of Ophthalmology
founded 1926
User
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
founded 1824
User
Harvard Medical School
founded 1782
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensionsmicroscope: 38.5 × 25.6 × 21 cm (15 3/16 × 10 1/16 × 8 1/4 in.)
case: 43 × 17.2 × 22 cm (16 15/16 × 6 3/4 × 8 11/16 in.)
case: 43 × 17.2 × 22 cm (16 15/16 × 6 3/4 × 8 11/16 in.)
Material
Accessoriesoculars (2); double nosepiece; mahagony case with various parts (see description)
DescriptionThis is a Beck binocular compound microscope. The heavy brass instrument sits on a flat tripod-shaped base. The body consists of a set of binocular draw tubes adjustable by means of rack and pinion, and a rotating double nosepiece. The fine adjustment is by means of knob located on the top of the curved arm.
The microscope is equipped with a circular rotating stage. A holder for a diaphragm or a lens, and a mirror on a swinging arm, are located beneath the stage.
There is an accompanying mahogany box with a drawer of various parts including an objective marked 1/10 and a Maltwood's finder. The finder is inscribed, "Presented by Dr. O.W. Holmes." The case in inscribed, "Smith, Beck & Beck 6 Coleman St, London."
The microscope is equipped with a circular rotating stage. A holder for a diaphragm or a lens, and a mirror on a swinging arm, are located beneath the stage.
There is an accompanying mahogany box with a drawer of various parts including an objective marked 1/10 and a Maltwood's finder. The finder is inscribed, "Presented by Dr. O.W. Holmes." The case in inscribed, "Smith, Beck & Beck 6 Coleman St, London."
Signedon foot: R & J. BECK, LONDON & PHILADELPHIA
on back of objective lense holder: R & J BECK
Inscribedstamped on foot: HOWE
on foot: 10575
ProvenanceHowe Laboratory of Opthalmology, Harvard University Medical School; gift to Ernst-Lewis Collection of Microscopes (inv. no. T-17), Harvard Medical School.
Historical AttributesThis instrument came from Howe Laboratory of Opthalmology, Harvard University Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles St, Boston.
Note on file card: "A letter with the instrument from David G. Cogan, M. D. at the above address to Dr. George B Wislocki, Department of Anatomy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, dated April 17, 1944: 'My dear Doctor Wislocki: There is in the Howe Laboratory, an old microscope bearing the manufacturer's name of R. and J., Beck, London and Philadelphia. It is a binocular scope with two interchangeable objectives and a mechanical stage. As we have no use for it and its value lies only in its antiquity, would you care to have it for your museum?' Accompanying paper indicates that the microscope was received to Dr. Lewis' home May 26, 1944."
R. & J. Beck
Date: 1876
Accessories: oculars (2) in microscope; Darker's selenite retarding filters (3); wheel diaphragm; mechanical rotary stage; stage slider. Other accessories are in the case (1122b), including monocular draw tube; oculars (3); objectives in cans (5); empty can; Lieberkühn; polarizing set; slides; camera lucidas (2); etc.; plus a Beck patent substage condenser (1122c); and apertometer (1122d).
Object number: 1122a
Smith, Beck & Beck
Date: circa 1860
Accessories: complete set of approximately 50 accessories in two boxes [see early file card]
Object number: 1237
Smith & Beck
Date: circa 1850
Accessories: Achromatic condensor; a darkfield condenser (Wenham's parabolic reflector); a substage set of aperture stops on a swingaway vane inside a sleeve; a nickel tweezers; a stage forceps; and a bull's eye condenser with a stand, a glass tray for the stage, Varley live box; case.
Object number: 1059
R. & J. Beck
Date: circa 1890
Accessories: paired oculars; objective 16mm ; analyzer in mount; polarizer in mount; mechanical stage
Object number: 1328
R. & J. Beck
Date: circa 1885
Accessories: objectives (3); paired oculars
Object number: 1273
R. & J. Beck
Date: 1876
Accessories: Beck patent substage condenser (1122c); apertometer (1122d)
Object number: 1122b
R. & J. Beck
Date: circa 1878
Accessories: oculars (3); eye mask; Beck objectives with cans (2): 1, 1/6 in.; anonymous onjective: 1/15 in homog. im..; tweezers; triple nosepiece; Rousselet-type sliding stage; Abbe condenser; iris diaphgragm; cover slips (2); prescription envelope; instructions; lock parts; standing case with key.
Object number: 1362
R. & J. Beck
Date: circa 1879
Accessories: objective 2 in. Ross No. 20372 in original case; empty case for 1.5 in. objective R&J Beck; ocular
Object number: 1140
R. & J. Beck
Date: circa 1878
Accessories: ocular; objective
Object number: 1091a
R. & J. Beck
Date: circa 1889
Accessories: objective 1 1/2 in.; ocular
Object number: 1154